JoEllen Brydon
Elizabeth Thompson Advises
April 18, 2026 - June 28, 2026
Curated by Rhona Wenger
Born and raised on a fruit farm in Beamsville, Ontario, Jean Armstrong Brydon was the advice columnist for the Globe and Mail from 1966 to 1978. She worked under the pseudonym, “Elizabeth Thompson.” Jean’s daughter, artist JoEllen Brydon, inherited the vast archives of letters and columns.
A progressive writer and thinker, Jean captured personal experiences within a larger social movement as people resisted and embraced change during a revolutionary time in our history. Contributors came from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds. Jean would challenge them, encouraging them to look inward, initiating lively debate, ultimately exploring all complexities of an issue.
This exhibition is a nuanced and loving exploration of the stories that people tell — to others and to themselves.
JoEllen Brydon was born in Toronto, and has lived most of her life in the township of Cavan, Ontario. Through her vibrant paintings and multimedia installations, she has developed a large body of work that explores anecdotal community stories as well as unique aspects of Canadian history.
Brydon’s work is represented in The Art Bank of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History as well as private collections in North America and the UK.
Rhona Wenger, now retired, was the Director and Curator of the Grimsby Public Art Gallery for 22 years. Raised in Kansas and Saskatoon, she worked at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound, the Art Gallery of Peterborough and the Art Gallery of Northumberland in Cobourg before accepting the position in Grimsby.
This exhibition is supported by a Grant for Individual Artists (Component 2), a program administered by the Electric City Culture Council on behalf of the City of Peterborough, and the Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Program.
Artist Talk, recorded: May 9, 2026
Videography by Karol Orzechowski
Letter Reading Event, recorded: June 4, 2026
Videography by Zach Ward
Catalogue Launch, recorded: June 25, 2026
Videography by Zach Ward
Publication
JoEllen Brydon: Elizabeth Thompson Advises
Full-colour publication documenting JoEllen Brydon's Elizabeth Thompson Advises (AGP: April 18 - June 28, 2026). Curated by Rhona Wenger. Born and raised on a fruit farm in Beamsville, Ontario, Jean Armstrong Brydon was the advice columnist for the Globe and Mail from 1966 to 1978. She worked under the pseudonym, “Elizabeth Thompson.” Jean’s daughter, artist JoEllen Brydon, inherited the vast archives of letters and columns. A progressive writer and thinker, Jean captured p...
Events
18
Opening Reception: JoEllen Brydon
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
9
Artist Talk with JoEllen Brydon
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
4
Elizabeth Thompson Advises: Letter Readings from the Archives
Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
25
Catalogue Celebration and Talk
Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
More Exhibitions With JoEllen Brydon
Elizabeth Thompson Advises
Apr. 18, 2026 - Jun. 28, 2026
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